DAVAO CITY — As his term draws to a close, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte urged the Filipino people on Monday to rally behind the country’s new leaders to enable them to continue building on the gains that his administration has achieved.
The President assured the public that his administration is both “ready and eager” for the transition of power to the incoming leaders this June 30, adding the process “will be smooth and peaceful as we want the next administration to succeed for the benefit of the country”.
“We must all be united in confronting the issues ahead of us. We have no room for politicking or go into a divisive exercise in whatever endeavors that you can think of just to divide the country, huwag nating gawain ‘yan,” he said during his regular Talk to the People program.
“Various challenges, both natural and manmade, also continue to test our resolve as a nation and a people. Let us continue to unite and show compassion with one another so we may overcome all of these challenges,” he added.
President Duterte also called on Filipinos to give the new set of leaders goodwill and best wishes so they could lead the country toward a better future. He also thanked the Filipino public for trusting his administration.
His term has been fruitful and productive with the help of the people and all sectors that could be the key in building a better future for the young generation, he noted.
“Maraming-maraming salamat sa inyong pagbigay ng tiwala sa akin at we are going to retire,” he said. “I will be just in Davao. And if there’s a compelling need to talk, I will do it. But my drift is just really to retire quietly. No more politics for me.”
The President said all he wanted is a better country for the current generation of Filipinos and the next, stressing his advocacy is to protect the welfare of young Filipinos.
“At alam na ninyo kung ano ‘yan. I will not hesitate to — in action, I’m referring to sa droga at criminality. All intended to protect you,” he said.
